The Eagles supporters also see it as a season defining fixture. Second-bottom Palace go into the match three points worse off than Boro having taken just three points from a possible 21 in 2017 so far.

An away win would enable Aitor Karanka’s side to open up breathing space at the bottom end of the table. A home win would put Palace level on points with Boro and give their bid to avoid the drop a huge shot in the arm.

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“Nor the following year when Neil Warnock was sacked with the team in the relegation zone. Both times you not only survived, but thrived.

“During last season’s FA Cup run, no-one expected you to win away to Southampton and Tottenham. Yet you went on to take England’s most successful football team (Manchester United) to extra-time in the final.

“This football club is at its best when it is the underdog, but for most of this season you have ceased to have that role. The club has invested record sums of money in its squad, and this is arguably the most talented dressing room in the team’s history.

“Your record in recent times has taken the club back to being the underdog again. Most people now expect you to be relegated, especially your own fans.

“So this Saturday, against Middlesbrough, you have an opportunity to change the story of this season. You can show your fans, and show yourselves, that Crystal Palace remains a club which still has the guts to succeed.

“If you give every single ounce of effort, chase every ball, commit to every tackle, and still fall short, then we will forgive your failure. But if you are relegated by not trying, and not wearing the shirt with pride, then you will understand.”